Chapter Text
“Momma I can’t wait to see grandma and pop pop”
“Me too sweety” Clarke smiled at her son Aden through her review mirror as she drove, hoping upon hope she was gonna make it to her parents house before the snow storm got any worse.
“I hope pop pop will make a snow man with me” Aden clapped
Clarke tilted her head looking out of the window up to the sky, “we gotta get there first” she groaned
“ why wouldn’t we get there?”Aden asked
“The snows coming down really badly baby, I’m not sure it’s gonna be safe to drive much further”
Aden pouted “ But it’s Nearly Christmas and I told Santa where I’ll be”
“Santa will find you where ever you are baby” Clarke reassured her son “ he’s magic like that”
Aden nodded looking out at the window “ I sure hope so”
Clarke was only twenty one when Aden was born, a stupid drunk fumble with her old high school boyfriend Finn. He was an idiot back in high school, Clarke should have known better, as soon as he knew Clarke was pregnant he left town never to be heard of again , Clarke became a single mother, as well as a trainee nurse, living with her parents was tough, especially when her mother made it clear how disappointed she was that Clarke had decided on nursing rather then becoming doctor, Clarke also felt like Abby took over and undermined her where Aden was concerned. so as soon as Clarke could afford it she packed up and moved her and Aden four hours away from her home town.. life was pretty good for the pair of them, Clarke became good friends with a fellow nurse called Octavia who quickly become as good as family..
Clarke was happy with her life, or she would have been had she left to visit her parents the day before the snow storm hit, what made it worse was that her mother had warned her, so a good old “I told you so” was coming the blondes way..
“Shit” Clarke groaned only to be told off by her son for using bad words.
“Sorry baby” Clarke apologised
“What’s wrong momma?”
Clarke could feel her car coming to a slow,” looks like the snows to thick to drive in”
“Oh no what does that mean?”
“It means little man that we can’t go any further” Clarke sighed heavily pulling her phone from her bag, thanking the Lord she had service” Ok so we are in Polis or so that sign back there says”
“What’s Polis?” Aden asked
“No idea honey” Clarke shrugged scrolling through her phone as she googled for some help “ I’ve never been here before” usually when Clarke visits her parents she takes the Train, but Aden’s Christmas presents would have been hard to carry so the car was Clarke’s best option, or not she had now decided .
“Yes hi, hello my name is Clarke Griffin, “the blonde spoke down the phone “ my car’s kinda decided its had enough of fighting with the snow and I’m stuck”
Clarke nodded along to whatever the person on the other line was saying, Aden watched his mother as she listen, he hoped she was right and that Santa would know where to find him if they didn’t make it to his grandparents place in time for Christmas “ no that’s fine, thank you”
“What’s happening momma?”
Clarke got out of her seat and in to the back to sit by her son” so it seems we’re gonna be stuck here for a little while, someones gonna come find us and take us into the town ok?”
Aden nodded “ then do we get to go to grandma? “
“ I don’t think so baby, not tonight anyways” Clarke smiled “ the snow storm is getting worse “
“So we have to stay in the car?” Aden didn’t like that idea
“No baby” Clarke smiled stroking her sons hair “ I’m sure there’s a hotel we can stay in tonight ok?”
Aden nodded deep in thought for a little while, half an hour later and Clarke checking her phone for the snow report, it wasn’t looking good. The blonde hoped whoever was coming to help would be long. “ What’s that?”? Aden pointed to lights appearing in her back window.
Clarke turned to look out the back at what looked like a pick up truck “ that’s our ride baby” Clarke smiled getting out of the car..
“Hey out of towner” a small smiley women said jumping out of her truck.
“How do you know I’m an out of towner?” Clarke frowned
“Well that’s easy” The women laughed tapping on the window to gain Aden’s attention then sending him a wink “ this storms been brewing for days, us town folk know not to even think about driving out today”
“Guess I didn’t get the memo” Clarke sighed
“Raven” the women smiled handing out a glove cover hand
“Clarke, and that’s Aden” Clarke stated shaking Raven’s hand ..
Raven opened Aden’s door “ hey Aden, I’m Raven”
Aden waved but was a little shy to speak
“How about you and your momma hop into my truck? Whist l Jack your car up huh?”
Aden was unsure and looked to his mother for the answer.
“I have hot chocolate”Raven tried again this time Aden speaks “ yes please”
Raven nodded opening the door wider for Clarke to unstrap her son..
“Do you need me to help you?” Clarke asked
“No I got it” Raven smiled “ although I’ll need your keys”
Clarke handed over her keys before she and Aden jumped into Raven’s truck, Raven handed them two mugs filling them with the warm beverage “ you guys sit tight I won’t be a minute”
Clarke breathed in the warmth from her hot chocolate, she knew planning a trip this time of year was gonna just be drama and she was right “ you ok?” She asked Aden who looked a little teary.
“ how are we gonna get to grandma and pop pop?”
“Aden” Clarke said softly “ Christmas is a few days away ok? We have time, please don’t be sad”
“All done” Raven announced getting into the truck blowing into her hands “ man that’s cold out... you ok?” Raven asked noticing the moment between the women and her son .
“Aden’s a little worried we won’t be at my parents by Christmas”
“ and where’s that?” Raven asked feeling a little sorry for the small boy
“Arcadia” Aden spoke up
The looked on Raven’s face told Clarke her little boy was probably gonna be fully disappointed “ let’s just see ok?”
Raven nodded as did Aden “ Ok little man let’s get going”
A few miles down the road and Raven’s truck pulled up at a very Christmassy looking lodge. “ this is grounders lodge” she explained with a smile “ Aden they have the biggest tree in town”
“It looks busy” Clarke worried
“Packed out actually, every year all year”
“So why are we here?” Clarke frowned “ I mean we’re gonna need a hotel or something for the night”
Raven could see Aden’s excitement when he spotted the tree so she opened the door and let him out “ Clarke, I hate to tell you this” Raven checked to see where Aden was so he didn’t hear her “ but this is just the start of the storm, had you of called for help later tonight there’s no way I could of got to you, you and Aden are stuck here”
“For how long?”
Raven shrugged “ day after Christmas maybe?”
“What am I gonna do?” Clarke panicked
“Look when I was jacking you car up I called ahead and got you guys a room”
“Thought you said they were packed out?
“ well I happen to be on very good terms with the owners” Raven winked pressing a button to lower Clarke car “ c’mon I’ll help you with your bags.”
...
“ so give them your room”
“Lexa,” Anya sighed “ don’t be such a brat”
“ I’m not being a brat” Lexa, Anya’s cousin sulked “ why do I have to give my room up?”
“ because the only room available is the single room, how do you suppose Raven and I share that?”
“So make them share a bed, better yet make a bed on the floor”
“Lexa it’s a young women and her kid, they’re stuck in a strange town at Christmas with no way of getting home, have some compassion”
Lexa sighed heavily “ this is bullshit”
“Bad word”
Anya and Lexa both spun around at the little voice behind them .
Stood in the door way of the kitchen area was Raven who gave Lexa an unimpressed look along with a blonde women and a small boy, Lexa felt a little bad at the fact they had heard what she had said .
“Hi, I’m Anya Woods ” Clarke guessed she was the owner “you just be Clarke? Welcome to grounders, and you must be Aden?” She smiled holding her hand out
Aden nodded as Clarke shook Anya’s hand .
“ if this is a problem I’m sure we can find somewhere else?” The blonde stated “ we don’t wanna put anyone out”
“It’s not a problem” Anya smiled “ is it Lexa?”
Lexa knew that tone of voice, she knew she could argue all she liked and was still going to lose her room “ nope”
Raven nodded with a smile “ Clarke, Anya and Lexa own the lodge, they do all the day to day running, and Anya here just so happens to be my wifey” the Latina grinned wrapping her arms around the blonde.
“Oh so you weren’t joking when you said you were on good terms with the owner huh?” Clarke laughed
“ it’s alway who ya know not what ya know” Raven laughed .
“How about we get your bags taken upstairs and I’ll find you something to eat? “ Anya smiled trying to make Clarke and Aden feel extra welcome after having to hear her and Lexa’s little tiff “ you hungry little man?”
Aden nodded looking across at Lexa cautiously “Ok then” Anya clapped “ Lex? Grab the bags”
Lexa rolled her eyes pushing herself off the kitchen counter “ we have staff for this “ she muttered picking up two of the three bags that were at the blondes feet.
“ are you sure this is ok?” Clarke worried
“Yes” Anya was adamant “ you’ll have to excuse my cousin, she’s just grouchy”
Clarke nodded still unsure but following Lexa up the stairs with Aden trailing behind her, when she entered the room Lexa had closed the blinds and removed the pillows off the bed “ the bathrooms just here,” Lexa opened the door to her right, be careful with the shower the water gets a little hot, maybe stick to the bath for the little one, towels and extra blankets are here” she pointed to an Ottoman at the bottom of the bed, tv has cable and the WiFi password is at front desk,”
Clarke watched the women walking around the room, she appreciated her professionalism but wasn’t stupid, she knew the co owner was annoyed at giving up Her personal room “ thanks, but listen I don’t want to put anyone out, Aden and I would be fine in the single room, he gets in my bed all the time at home, so it’s really not necessary to put yourself out”
Lexa knew the blonde had heard her and felt a little bad “ it’s not a problem really, I was just being a brat, I’m fine with you guys taking my room, I just have to grab some things that’s all”
“ that’s really kind of you, thank you”
Lexa smiled looking at the blonde properly for the first time, she hadn’t realised just how beautiful she was,” you’re welcome”
Aden jumped up on to the bed with his snowy boots on .
“Hey” Lexa clicked her fingers pointing to the boys feet Letting him know she wasn’t happy, quickly Aden took his boots and socks off looking at Lexa again
Lexa raised her thumb and gave the worried looking boy a wink “ maybe get settled and head downstairs for some food”
Clarke nodded with a smile closing the door as Lexa left .
“She’s not friendly” Aden whispered
Clarke sat beside her son “ i think she just wasn’t prepared for us taking over her room”
Aden shrugged “ can we eat now?”
Clarke nodded “ how about you change into your pjs and I’ll give grandma a quick call, let her know we’re ok”
..
“They’ll be down in a few minutes” Lexa announced as she made her way back into his kitchen “ and Mr Cross is moaning again about the tap in his bathroom”
“I’ll take a look” Raven said finishing off her coffee “ they ok?”
“ yeah” Lexa nodded “ apart from the kid getting on my bed with his boots on “
“Suck it up buttercup it’s not your bed until they leave” Anya teased earning herself the middle finger.
“ the kids upset he’s not gonna get to his grandparents in time for Christmas,” Raven said “ he thinks Santa won’t know he’s here”
“Awww” Anya coo’d “ poor kid”
“ I know, so maybe be nice to him” Raven said looking at Lexa.
“ I am nice”
Raven and Anya laughed causing Lexa to Scourer at them both “ bitches”
“Bad word”
Lexa heard it again shaking her head, what is it with that kid always showing up when she’s cussing?“ Sorry” she apologised looking more at Clarke then Aden.
“ hey guys” Anya smiled “ you all settled in?”
“Yes thank you” Clarke nodded taking seat at the table followed by Aden who was giving Lexa some serious side eye.
“Well dinner finished an hour ago” Anya explained “ but we go have plenty of left overs so I hope you guys are hungry.”
Aden nodded his eyes widening when Anya places a plate of chicken, mash potato, vegetables and gravy in form of him “ that do ya Buddy?”
“Yes thank you very much” Aden grinned tucking in only to make Clarke, Anya and even Lexa laugh.” Please excuse my sons lack of table manners” Clarke joked only to be waved off by Anya .
Anya and Clarke talked as they ate, Clarke explained that they were travelling from there home town to Arcadia and that she feels a little stupid for not checking the weather report before they left, she told the owners that she was a nurse and her and Aden lived in a town called green valley heights, a place Lexa nor Anya had heard off before.
As they spoke Lexa could feel little eyes burning into the side of her head, sipping her beer she watched Aden out of the corner of her eye.. she knew he was sizing her up, it wasn’t like she made the best first impression, first complaining about her room then reprimanding the boy for his snowy boots and let’s not forget the cussing. The little boy kept watching as Lexa drank her beer..
“What?” She asked him
“You say bad words”
Clarke was about to tell her son off for being rude when Anya places her hand on her arm, silently asking her to let it play out.
“Yeah so” Lexa shrugged “ I’m big”
“So am I” Aden argued “ but I don’t say bad words”
“Well how old are you?” Lexa sassed trying to keep the smile off her face.
“Six” Aden held up six of his fingers “ how old are you?”
Anya let out a little laugh which made Clarke relax a little .
“ twenty six, that’s a whole lot more bigger then you” Lexa smirked
Aden shrugged “ well my momma is twenty seven and she doesn’t say bad words” Aden thought about that for a moment “ well sometimes she does but not a lot”
Lexa, Anya and Clarke laughed “ well that’s because your momma is a big person and big people are allowed to say bad words” Lexa continued
“Nope” Aden shook his head “ bad words are bad words and my grandma says no one should say them, even grown ups”
“Well your grandma isn’t here to tell me off”
“ but I could call her and tell her “
Lexa laughed with a nod “ ok kid you got me” and held her hand up in the air “ I will try and not say bad words.... happy?”
Aden nodded “ momma can I see the tree again?”
“Baby it’s late now and it’s getting really cold outside “Clarke explained only for Aden to sulk.
“ come here” Lexa titled her head for Aden to follow and much to Clarke’s surprise he did .” You don’t have to go outside in the cold to see the tree,.. look” she smiled pulling the blind up in the kitchen window, lights flooded the sink area as the Christmas tree stood tall right in front of the window “ see”
“Wow” Aden grinned as Lexa lifted him up to stand on the ledge “ it’s so big”
“ it’s the biggest in town, so you’re lucky” Lexa bragged
“ I love it, look momma”
Clarke got up and walked over to the window, the tree really was magnificent” it’s beautiful” Clarke smiled looking at Lexa.
“Thanks” Lexa smiled “ decorated it myself”
“Really?” Clarke was impressed
“No” Lexa laughed “ we store it as it is in a lock up, it’s way to big for someone to dress”
Clarke rolled her eyes at being tease giving Lexa a little nudge with her arm” Ok Mr it’s bed time”
Aden nodded jumping into his mothers arms“ What do you say?”
“ thank you”
“You’re welcome kid”
Once Aden was settled and asleep Clarke took a moment to herself, for the first time since she had been in the room she took a look at her surroundings, the room was huge, it had a big flat screen tv with a couch and an open fireplace, there was the odd photograph dotted around the room but it lack a personal touch, it made Clarke wonder about what kind of person Lexa was?.
Lexa made her way up the stairs to her room, knocking gently in case Aden was sleeping, when Clarke opened the door, she wasn’t in the same clothes she had arrived in, instead she was in a oversized dressing down and her blonde wo locks were now in a messy bun on top of her head, not a scrap of makeup on her face.
“Hey”
Hi” Lexa swallowed “ I’m sorry to bother you but I didn’t grab anything to sleep in earlier “
“Oh” Clarke pulled her dressing gown closer to her body “ please come in”
Lexa crept slowly around the room making Clarke chuckle. “ you won’t wake him, he’s dead to the world”
Lexa nodded looking over at the sleeping boy, he was star fished across the top of the bed, he mouth open and little snores filled the room, Lexa thought it was cute.
“I’m sorry he was a little rude to you”
Lexa took some clothes and pyjamas from the draws by the window before turning to the blonde “ he wasn’t rude” she smiled “ in fact it’s me who should Be apologies to you, I was rude earlier about the whole bedroom thing and I certainly shouldn’t be cursing in front of a child,”
“It’s fine” Clarke waved off “ my friend says a lot worse in front of him trust me”
Lexa smiled with a nod “ I really don’t have a problem giving you my room”
Clarke nodded “ I’ll make sure Aden doesn’t touch anything, you know personal to you”
“I would worry” Lexa shrugged “ there’s nothing valuable or personal to me, I don’t actually live here,”
“You don’t?” That explains the minimal look Clarke thought.
“No, I just stay here at our busiest periods
“
Clarke nodded “ cool” and smiled taking in Lexa’s features, the girl looked like some one who should be walking on a runway, she was stunning. “ I.. well we really do appreciate your generosity”
“You’re welcome”
Clarke noticed the blush of the brunettes cheeks and it made her blush herself
“Ok” Lexa smiled “ i Guess I’ll see you at breakfast then”
Clarke nodded “ good night”
...
“Lexa we need more wood for the fire” Anya ordered as soon as Lexa came into view.
“It’s six am Anya,” Lexa yawned “and we do have staff that work here”
“None that are here yet, c’mon The fire won’t last and it’s almost breakfast”
“You do know you’re not actually my boss right?”
Anya rolled her eyes, her cousin was defiantly not a morning person “ Ok fine, I’ll do the wood and you can start breakfast, we have thirty eight guests”
Lexa know feeding time was the biggest chore of the lodge and certainly something she didn’t want to be responsible for “ I didn’t say I wasn’t going to get the wood”
“Thought So”
..
The snow had came down pretty thick in the night which made it hard for Lexa to carry the logs as well as walk “ Fuck” She spat out as she dropped to her knees losing her balance
“Bad word”
Lexa looked around to find little Aden standing behind her looking very unimpressed “ what’s with you kid? It’s like you seek me out at the worst time”
“You said you wasn’t going to use bad words”
Lexa pulled herself back to her feet, dusting the snow off her knees “ no I didn’t”
“You did” Aden argued “ I think we need a swear jar”
“A what now?” Lexa frowned
“A swear jar” Aden repeated himself “ I have one at home for momma and auntie O, every time they say a bad word they have to put a dollar in my jar”
“Oh yeah” Lexa huffed as she dropped some logs onto the porch “ and how much you got in there?”
“Lots, auntie O swears a lot, that’s how I even know what the bad words are”
“Mmmm” Lexa nodded “ here” she smiled pulling out a ten dollar bill from her pocket handing it to the boy “ I’m in credit”
Aden looked at the bill with a smile and shrug “ need some help?” He asked as he put the money in his pants pocket.
“You can’t carry these logs” Lexa teased “ you’re way to small”
“No... Im big” Aden stood tall poking his thumb into his chest causing Lexa to laugh.
“Ok then, If you’re sure”
Aden nodded walking over to the logs
“Woah” Lexa stopped him with a gently hand to his shoulder “ You Tryna pull your back out?”
“Huh”? Aden looked confused
“Buddy you can’t just lean over and pick up something heavy” Lexa explained “ you have to bend at your knees” she showed him “ that way you won’t cause any damage to your back ... see?” She said picking the log up before standing “ now you try”
Clarke watched through the window with a mug in her hand and a smile on her face.
“Don’t let her potty mouth and rudeness fool you” Anya smiled as she appeared at Clarke’s side “ she’s actually a really good person with a big heart”
Clarke nodded sipping her coffee “ Aden seems to have taken a liking to her, the first thing he asked this morning was if he could come downstairs and find her”
Anya smiled softly watching as Lexa helped Aden with another log “ yeah they’re probably on the same maturity level that’s why”
Clarke laughed “ I just don’t want him to get in her way”
“He’s not” Anya promised “ trust me”
Lexa watched as Aden huffed and puffed as he placed another log on the pile” you ok there?”
“Yup” Aden nodded shaking his hands .
“ you wanna quit?”
Aden shook his head “nope I’m tough”
Lexa laughed under her breath, she was impressed with the determination that the little boy showed “ you are tough”
A wide smile grew across Aden’s face, he felt proud of himself..
“Hey Aden?” Lexa smirked waiting for the little boy to look up “ catch” she laughed throwing a small ball of snow at the boy hitting him on the shoulder .
“Oh she didn’t” Anya laughed looking towards Clarke “ there’s a war brewing”
Clarke laughed as she watched Aden throw a snow ball towards Lexa, completely missing her .
“What was that?” Lexa laughed picking up more snow “ you throw like a girl” she teased throwing another snowball this time getting Aden on the leg.
“I wasn’t ready” Aden argued patting at his ball
“Go ahead then” Lexa opened her arms “ I won’t even move”
Aden’s little tongue poked out as he concentrated which made Lexa laughed “ c’mon kid”
Rolling his shoulder a little Aden lifted his arm and used all his strength to throw the snow ball hitting Lexa in the face “ yes” Aden fist pumped jumping up and down” Yes”
Lexa laughed wiping the coldness from her face “ this is war” she warned before running towards the little boy who looked like a deer caught in headlights “ no” he giggled running off in the other direction “ momma help me” he called out
“Oh you need your momma” Lexa laughed flicking snow towards the boy “ thought you was tough”
“I am” Aden suddenly stopped turning to Lexa “ I’m big and tough” he laughed throwing more snow in Lexa’s direction .
Lexa ran catching up with the boy, lifting him off the ground to spin him around “gotcha”
Clarke felt a warm feel wash over her as she listen to her son laughing and having fun, she was grateful to Lexa for playing with him..
“Now what you gonna do tough guy” Lexa laughed holding the boy by one arm and a leg “ you know the drive could do with a sweep” she laughed again using Aden as a human broom.
“It’s cold” Aden giggled
“It’s snow, ofcoarse it’s cold” Lexa said placing the boy back on his feet “ you hungry?”
Aden nodded “ but first I want to make snow angels”
Lexa nodded “ bet I can do a better one then you”
Aden shook his head throwing himself to the floor with a giggle as he moved his arms and legs “ c’mon then?”
Lexa rolled her eyes joining the boy on the cold ground “ mine will be bigger” she stated moving her arms and legs.
“But mine will be better” Aden giggled jumping up to look at his master piece.
“No way” Lexa got up dusting herself off looking down at the angels that had made“ you know what I think you’re right, yours is better”
“Is now” Aden laughed kicking at Lexa’s angel ruining it before running back to the lodge with a giggle..
“Hater” Lexa called out shaking her head.
....
“Baby you’re freezing” Clarke worried as Aden came back into the lodge looking like a little ice burg
“I had fun though” Aden laughed shaking the snow from his hair
“ I’m glad, let’s get you warmed up huh?” Clarke took him to sit by the fire so she could remove his coat and gloves “ you really should have wore your hat, you’re little ears are so cold”
Aden smiled wrapping his arms around his mother only for her to wrap him up in a hug.. when the door opened and Lexa walked in she smiled at the sight of the mother and child.. Clarke looked at her with a smile before mouthing “ thank you”
Lexa winked with a nod and left not wanting to interrupt the moment.. “ logs all done” she said to Anya who was preparing breakfast..
“Great, thanks” Anya smiled “ that was a nice thing you did”
“It’s logs” Lexa shrugged
“I didn’t mean the logs you idiot” the blonde smiled nudging her cousin “ I meant Aden, playing with him”
Lexa shrugged pouring herself a coffee “ he ruined my snow angel”
Anya laughed rolling her eyes “ wanna help with service?”
“Fuck no”
“Bad word Lexa” Aden said from behind her.
“Oh for god sakes” Lexa muttered closing her eyes .
“It’s ok though, you’re still in credit”
Lexa laughed shaking her head “ well that’s ok then” she turned to look at the small boy who looked much warmer after a hug from him mom “ you should head into the Dining area for breakfast”
“ are you?”
“No” Lexa answered “ I don’t eat out there, it’s for guests”
“ ok I’ll eat in here with you then” Aden offered taking a seat at the table .
Lexa couldn’t seem to shake this kid off, not that she minded really, she actually liked the boy, he made her laugh “ what about your momma?”
“She’s on the phone to my auntie O” Aden replied “ what’s for breakfast?”
“What do you want?” Lexa asked
“Cheerios”
Lexa nodded “ good choice” she smiled pulling a cereal box from the pantry “ Juice?”
“Water please”
“Water over juice?” Lexa frowned
“Momma doesn’t let me have lots of Juice” Aden shrugged “ only at lunch”
“That sucks” Lexa Frowned
“Do you know how much sugar is in orange juice?”
About the same that’s in Cheerios ?”
Aden was about to educate the brunette “ yes cheerios have some sugar in them but a little is ok.. juices have way more, it rots your teeth and causes cavities, which causes tooth ache then you have to have your teeth removed by the dentist... do you think I want to go to the dentist and have that done to me?.... no thank you”
Lexa laughed loudly, this kid was something else “ are you really six?”
Aden nodded tucking into his cereal “ I won’t be seven until May “
Lexa nodded with a smile as Clarke came into the kitchen “ Hey, I was looking for you”
“ I didn’t want Lexa to eat on her own
Clarke shared a look with an amused Lexa “ well Maybe Lexa wants to eat alone?”
“No one wants that momma” Aden shrugged .
“I don’t mind” Lexa said filling up a mug of coffee for Clarke “ I’m guessing you don’t take sugar?”
Clarke shook her head
“ I was just educated on the importance of a limited sugar intake”
“Oh god” Clarke blushed
Lexa smiled” would you like some Breakfast? You’re welcome to eat here too”
“Thank you” Clarke nodded taking a seat next to her son “ what you got there”
“Cheerios”
Clarke raised her eyebrows at her sons choice of breakfast usually Clarke tried to keep Aden away from sugary things, not because she was an over cautious parent, it was simply because Aden had a tendency to be a little hyper.
“ I’m guessing that wasn’t what he was suppose to have?” Lexa bit at her lip
“ it’s fine” Clarke smiled kissing her sons head “ Aden just gets a little hyperactive if he overloads on sugar”
“ you tricked me” Lexa looked to the boy who just grinned at her.. “ little villain”
Clarke chuckled behind her mug opting for pancakes for breakfast .
“ lex?” Anya poked her head around the door “ we got a problem”
Lexa looked at her cousin waiting for her to continue.
“The milks frozen, and jasper down at the store says he can’t deliver”
Lexa sighed heavily “ how much do we have?”
“Probably just enough for breakfast”
“Ok” Lexa nodded “ leave it with me”
Anya gave her cousin the thumbs up before heading back into the dining area..
“It’s all go here huh?” Clarke smiled
“ it’s this damn snow, it turns everything to shit”
“Two bad words”
“Aden” Clarke Warned Her son only for Lexa to laugh..
“You’re killing me”
“I’m sorry “ Clarke cringed
“Don’t be” Lexa winked “ so mr tough guy, do you wanna help me with the milk crisis?”
“Can I?” Aden’s eyes lit up, he’s breakfast quickly forgotten “ momma can I?”
Clarke looked to Lexa
“I’ll have to go into town for milk, if it’s ok with you he can tag along”
“Oh I don’t know” Clarke shook her head looking at her sons little face that quickly filled with disappointment .
“No your right” Lexa quickly said “ I mean that silly of me to ask, you don’t even know me and here I am offering to take you kid off somewhere”
“Oh no” Clarke shook her head again “ it’s not that Lexa, it’s just ummm, well” Clarke wasn’t really sure what it was, she wasn’t worried about the length of time that she had known Lexa, it was pretty obvious to see that the family who owned the lodge were good people. “ Aden go wash your hands ok?”
Aden sadly got off the table and headed to the sink to wash his hands
“ Lexa I just dont want you to feel like you have to entertain him”
Lexa shook her head “ Clarke believe him I don’t feel like I have to do anything, I know this place can get a little boring for a kid, I mean he is the only kid here, and if I’m honest I would much rather play with him then deal with the likes of Mr Cross who complains about everything” she laughed “ but if you’re not comfortable then I understand”
Clarke looked over at a very pouty little boy “ if you’re sure you don’t mind?”
Lexa shook her head with a smile
“Ok then”
“Yes” Aden cheered jumping off of he stool he was stood on “ c’mon Lexa let’s go”
“Woah calm down kid” Lexa laughed “ we have to finish the breakfast service first, we can go in like an hour Ok?”
Aden nodded “ ok”
Clarke rolled her eyes with a little smile at her sons excitement,she was sure he was gonna wear Lexa out by the end of the day .
..
Once breakfast service ended Lexa headed to the garage searching for an old sledge she was sure she threw in there the year before... she thought it might come in handy to courier the milk from town ..
“I’m ready” Aden shouted jumping up and down
“I see” Lexa laughed. the boy was dressed in an all in one coat with a hat that kept falling over his eyes and mittens to keep his hands warm “ did you pack your muscles to carry the milk?”
“Yup” Aden grinned “ there under my onesie”
Clarke laughed shaking her head “ you sure you want to take him?”
Lexa looked at the little boy then back to his mom “ sure” she smiled “ it’ll be fun”
Clarke nodded kissing the top of her sons head “ behave ok? And hold Lexa’s hand to cross the road, make sure you use your manners and don’t get in the way”
“I’ll be good momma” Aden promised
“Clarke relax” Lexa laughed “ he’ll be fine”
Clarke nodded with a little sigh” ok”
“Alright kid “ Lexa clapped “ we’re gonna drag his bad boy with us” she patted the plastic sleigh “ we can put the milk on it so we don’t have to carry it ok?”
Aden nodded taking the rope and pulling the sleigh “ easy peasy”
“We shouldn’t be to long, maybe take some time to yourself while we’re gone?”
Clarke smiled with a nod “ sounds good to me”
Lexa sent the blonde a wink and offered her hand to Aden who took it gladly “bye momma”
Clarke waved as she watched her son and his new friend head off down the snowy street and out of view ..
“He’s in good hands” Raven said from the front step of the lodge.
“I don’t doubt it” Clarke agreed heading towards the Latina “ I just hope he doesn’t talk her ear off” she laughed
“ they’ll be fine” Raven winked “ c’mon Anya’s got the good coffee out”
..
“Lexa? How much longer?” Aden panted trying his hardest to trudge through the heavy snow .
“Just around the corner kid, you Ok?”
“Yeah I’m fine”
Aden has pulled the sledge all the way into town, even though it was only a five minute walk it was still hard work especially for someone so small “ you’re doin great kid”
“I’m tough” Aden stated trying not to show how tired he was
“You are” Lexa nodded “ and we’re here”
Aden looked up the sign of the store reading the letters before pronouncing then “ j.a.s.p.e.r.s , Jaspers “ she grinned proud of himself
“Nice work buddy” Lexa smiled “ c’mon let’s go inside”
“Hey lex” a tall lanky young man smiled “ who’s the kid?”
“Jasper this is Aden, he’s staying with us at the lodge” Lexa explained “ Aden this is jasper, he owns the store”
“We came for milk” Aden started still holding on to the rope of the sledge
“ and I have it all ready for you” jasper smiled at the little boy before turning to Lexa “ so I’ve gave you enough for today and tomorrow, I would of brought it over for you but I’m on my own here”
“No problem” Lexa waved “ I have help” she thumbed over to Aden who was taking a shine to the donuts behind the glass counter
“ what’s caught your eye there?” She asked
“Donuts” Aden smiled “ can we have some?”
Lexa made her way over to the boy “ what happened to not wanting to much sugar?”
“I won’t tell momma if you don’t?”
“Wow” Lexa laughed “ you really are a little villain”
“ I am helping you with the milk” Aden tried his luck .
“Kids got a point” Jasper smirked from behind the Counter “ would one really hurt?”
“Two” Aden tried
“ one” Lexa said in a tone that told Aden there would be no haggling “ and maybe you can get one for you mom”
Aden nodded with a grin pressing his nose to the glass “ I would like the one with the jam inside please jasper”
Jasper smiled at Lexa then placed Aden’s donut in to a small box “ and what about your momma?”
“Momma likes chocolate”
“So how about this one?” Jasper pointed to a chocolate cream filled donut .
“Yes” Aden cheered “ and what about you Lexa? What one do you want?”
Lexa pulled out a few dollar and handed them to jasper “ a box of 4 sugar rings too, Raven will kill me if I don’t bring her one home”
Jasper knew all to well that Raven had a sweet tooth it was a silent agreement that he didn’t show up at the lodge without bringing treats “ ok kid you’re good to go”
“Thank you Jasper”
Lexa said her goodbyes to the store owner and the two of them headed out of the store “ Ok kid so I’ll pull the sledge because the milks made It real heavy and you can hold the donuts ok?”
Aden nodded taking the box of treats like they were fragile .
“Ready?”
“Yup” Aden smiled following Lexa towards the lodge .. a couple of minutes in and Aden toppled over in the snow, falling to his knees
“Aden you ok?” Lexa panicked bending down to check the small boy.
“Yes I just tripped” Aden sighed “ I didn’t drop the donuts though” he added a little pride could he heard in his voice. “ I’m just a little tired”
Lexa’s legs were hurting so she knew the little bit would be feeling it just as much “ Ok how about you and the donuts jump into the sledge and I’ll pull you back?”
“What about the milk?”
“You only got a little butt” Lexa laughed only for Aden to shot her a look “ ugh butt isn’t a bad word so don’t you dare” she playfully warned
Aden laughed taking a seat on the sledge playing the treats in between his legs” and I won’t pop the milk?”
“You’ll be fine” Lexa shook her head “ let’s go”
“Clarke? Anya?” Raven called out “ you gotta come see this”
Anya appeared at her wife’s side “ see what?”
Raven pointed out the window with a smile “ how cute is that?”
Anya swooned at the sight “ Clarke come here”
Clarke had just finished a call to her dad letting him know that he shouldn’t worry and that they were actually having a nice time even if they were stranded in the middle of no where . “ what’s up?”
Anya Tilted her head towards the window “look”
When Clarke saw the sight of Lexa and Aden coming up the drive she felt a little flutter in her stomach, Lexa was pulling Aden along in the sledge and he was laughing, his little face was as lite up as the massive Christmas tree that sat on the drive, he was full of joy and it made Clarke’s heart melt..
“Keep going Lexa” Aden cheered his new friend on “ you’re almost there”
“ did you put weight on since we left the store?” Lexa teased “ I swear you wasn’t this heavy when we left”
Aden giggled “ I am the same”
“You sure?”
“Yes” the boy giggled again “ you’re so silly”
“I’m also dead” Lexa breathed out playfully falling to the ground “ you’ve killed me kid”
Aden got out of the sledge running over to where Lexa was laid star fished in the snow “ are you ok Lexa?” He worried leaning over her placing his hands on his knees
“I fine kid” Lexa laughed “ I’m just playing with you” she smiled grabbing the boy and lifting him in the air “ you’re not really heavy, it was easy peasy”
“You’re strong” Aden laughed as Lexa plonked him on the snow next to her “ you ready for those donuts?”
“Yes” Aden cheered “and maybe some hot chocolate to warm me up?”
“Sounds like a plan” Lexa nodded getting up from the snow not before lifting Aden to his feet “ let’s go”
“What about the milk?”
“ someone else can bring it in kid, we’re off the clock” Lexa winked following Aden into the lodge “ can you get the milk from out front?” she asked a member of staff as they walked inside .
“Momma, Momma” Aden called out running towards his mother “ Lexa got us treats”
“Treats huh?” Clarke raised her eyebrow at her son .
Aden nodded “ Yup for me and her and you and Anya and Raven, it was because I was a good boy and I helped with the milk”
Clarke hugged the excited boy “ well I hope you said thank you”
Aden spun around remembering that he thanked Jasper but not Lexa “ oh sorry, thank you Lexa”
Lexa winked and smiled at the boy “ you deserve it, but maybe we should ask your mom when you can have the donut?”
“Now” Aden Frowned “ right ma?”
“ if I let you have it now that means no more today you hear me?”
Aden nodded heading into the kitchen calling out for Raven .
“He wasn’t any trouble was he?” Clarke asked biting her bottom lip
“Not at all” Lexa smiled softly” it was actually quite enjoyable”
Clarke felt a sigh of relief she wasn’t really use to people takin to Aden so easily, not that she had thought about Lexa in a Romantic way at this point but usually when she meets people and they find out she has a child they usually back off “ good, and thank you.. you know for entertaining him, he’s been a little upset about us not making it to my parents place.”
“Well Im happy to lessen the blow”
Clarke smiled still biting her lip “ well it’s defiantly appreciated”
Lexa nodded walking towards the blonde.” Let’s go get some donuts before he and Raven demolish them all huh?”
Clarke laughed following the brunette into the lodge suddenly feeling like Christmas stranded in a strange place wasn’t so bad after all .